TAS 2017: Honda Civic Type R Prototype arrives in Asia

Honda announces production debut of Civic Type R

The Honda Civic Type R Prototype continues its world tour, this time, in Japan. The Japanese automaker has debuted the prototype during this year's Tokyo Auto Salon and has also announced the debut of the production version of the hot hatchback.

Like the car that was shown during the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, the prototype displayed at Tokyo features a brushed aluminum effect finish. In Type R tradition, it also features bodywork exclusive to the high-performance Civic. It comes with a more aggressive front bumper design with slatted ducts and diamond-mesh air intakes. Air intakes are also present on the hood, hinting a turbocharged engine.

Also present are a host of aerodynamic add-ons for the Type R Prototype. At the front, a carbon fiber splitter resides at the front apron. Wider front fenders with air outlets are seen on the side, as well as unique side skits. Meanwhile, the rear is adorned by a reshaped bumper which integrates the diffuser and is topped off by vortex generators and a rear wing. Giving the car a sportier profile are red accents that surrounds the lower half of the car. The prototype rides on 20-inch piano black alloy wheels, also with red accents.

Honda has yet to mention specifics regarding the powertrain. It is possible that it will be using a 2.0 liter turbocharged engine like in the outgoing Type R. Another possibility is a highly tuned version of the 1.5 liter turbocharged engine seen in the Civic RS. With the Civic Type R competing against the likes of the Ford Focus RS and Volkswagen Golf R32, power might be at the 310 to 330 PS mark.

Honda said that production for the hot Civic will commence on the third quarter of 2017. This also means that the current Civic Type R, internally known as the FK2R, will have a shortened product lifespan at just two years. Honda will be sending off that model with a limited-run Black Edition version, exclusive to just 100 units.

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